The New Orleans Pelicans are 2-1, but the energy around the team is anything but positive. Starting off the season with a Charmin-soft schedule, the Pels were able to take care of business in their first two outings. First, they beat a retooling Chicago Bulls team at home, even with Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III sidelined. In their second game, Zion's first of the year, they eked out a narrow victory over a bottom-barrel Portland Trail Blazers squad with a furious fourth-quarter comeback.
Unfortunately, New Orleans wasn't able to secure a sweep against the lowly Blazers, as they dropped their second match of the doubleheader, 103-125. As the team continues to navigate early injury issues, roster holes, and schematic shifts, this 2-1 start against tanking teams hasn't inspired much confidence in the Pelicans' title chances.
The season is still young, however, and Vice President David Griffin and the rest of New Orleans's brass continues to work towards building the best team possible to contend for the championship. Here are the latest updates regarding the New Orleans Pelicans franchise.
New Orleans Pelicans continue tinkering with roster amid injury concerns
Dejounte Murray's successful surgery and timetable
Earlier this week, Dejounte Murray underwent surgery to repair his left hand that was fractured in the season opener against the Chicago Bulls. The operation was performed by Dr. Michelle Carlson at the New York Hospital for Special Surgery and was successful. Murray is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks.
With DJM likely sidelined until at least early December, the Pelicans are back to square one in terms of their point guard spot. He dished out 10 dimes in his first and only game with New Orleans so far, giving a taste of what their offense could be like with a true floor general leading the way. Unfortunately with him out, the Pelicans have reverted to their old habits and troubles, struggling to generate offense consistently.
Karlo Matkovic and Antonio Reeves sent down to the Birmingham Squadron
Part of the Pelicans' plan to address their center needs was to add Karlo Matkovic, whom they originally drafted in the second round in 2022 but did not sign. Matkovic split his time away from the NBA between the G-League and playing ball overseas. He reportedly added bulk and muscle since he was originally drafted and fine-tuned his skills to better meet the needs of the pro game.
Unfortunately, Matkovic hasn't seemed to impress Head Coach Willie Green much, as he's been in a no-show so far this season, even with Daniel Theis struggling to provide reliable center play. Matkovic also hardly saw the floor in preseason, which doesn't bode well for his chances of being a contributor this season.
New Orleans has reportedly sent him back down to the G-League where he can hopefully get reps and earn some trust from the Pelicans' coaching staff. Antonio Reeves, the 47th-overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft out of the University of Kentucky, will be joining Matkovic on the Birmingham Squadron.